Trump Battleship Plan Sparks New Debate Over Future of the US Navy

US President Donald Trump said the Navy will build a new large warship. He announced the plan on Monday at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. He called it a “battleship” and said it would be the most powerful ship ever made. The Trump battleship plan marks his biggest Navy proposal since returning to office.

According to the Associated Press, Trump said the ship will be part of a future “Golden Fleet.” He said it will be larger than any ship from the past and will use advanced weapons still in development. The idea comes as the Navy faces delays and cost issues with other programs.

Trump Battleship Plan Raises Questions About Navy Goals

Trump said the new ship will be faster and far stronger than the Iowa-class ships used in World War II. He said it will carry hypersonic missiles, rail guns, and laser systems. AP reported that many of these systems are still being tested by the Navy. Each system has faced years of research delays.

The Navy has struggled with major projects in recent years. According to Reuters and AP, the Navy dropped a new small warship plan last month after cost overruns. The Ford-class carrier program has also faced long delays and high repair costs. The Columbia-class submarine project has run behind schedule as well.

Trump has shown interest in Navy design for years. During his first term, he pushed for changes to carrier launch systems and ship appearance. Navy Secretary John Phelan told senators that Trump often contacted him late at night about rust or ship conditions. Trump said he plans to be directly involved in the design of the new ship.

How the New Battleship Plan May Shape US Naval Power

Many experts note that battleships were phased out decades ago. Aircraft carriers and long-range missiles now shape modern naval power. The Iowa-class ships, the last US battleships, were retired in the 1990s. They weighed about 60,000 tons and carried large guns, but carriers became more important.

The Trump battleship plan may shift debate inside the Pentagon. Some officials want more small, fast ships. Others want more submarines to counter China. A new mega-ship would be costly and may take many years to design. It could also change Navy budgets for other programs.

Supporters say a powerful new ship could show strength at sea. Critics say it may drain resources from proven systems. The coming months may show whether the plan becomes a real program or stays a concept. The Navy has not released any firm timeline or cost projections.

The Trump battleship plan marks a bold move that may reshape US strategy. It raises big questions about future weapons and budgets. It also signals Trump’s direct role in Navy design once again.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the Trump battleship plan?

It is a plan to build a new large Navy warship. Trump says it will be the most powerful ship ever made. The Navy has not yet given technical details.

Q2: Will the ship use new weapons?

Trump says it will use hypersonic missiles, rail guns, and lasers. Many of these weapons are still in development. The Navy has not confirmed final systems.

Q3: Why are people debating the plan?

Battleships were retired decades ago. Some experts say a new one may cost too much. Others say it could show US power at sea.

Q4: How does this affect other Navy programs?

A large ship could shift budgets. It may delay other projects. It could also change long-term strategy.

Q5: When will the ship be built?

No timeline is set. The Navy has not released a schedule. The plan is still early.

Trusted Sources: Associated Press, Reuters